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Let L-410 Turbolet

This commuter aircraft was developed by Let Kunovice in the Czech Republic, as a replacement for the many Antonov An-2s flying around. It is a though aircraft, able to operate from grass and gravel runways. In general, the appearance is quite conventional, but there are some key features. The aircraft has a cruciform tail, with dihedral on the horizontal stabilisers. The cockpit windows are mostly flat planels, but the side windows optionally have a bubble shape (see heading photo). The small cabin windows have a rectangular shape, with rounded corners. Finally, the single wheel main landing gear retracts in stubs extending from the underside of the fuselage. The trailing link nose gear retracts forward.

The main recognition point of the Let L-410 is the tail. The aircraft has a tall vertical stabiliser with horizontal stabilisers in a V shape, close to the bottom.

This front view of the L-410 shows the flat panel cockpit windows, trailing link nose gear and main gear attached to stubs.

Different versions

The different versions of the Dornier 228 can be identified by looking at:

  • the location of the horizontal stabilisers
  • the number of propeller blades
  • the length and shape of the nose
  • the wing span
  • the presence of tip tanks
  • the size and hinge location of the cabin door

Details will follow later.

Confusion possible with

Twin Commander family

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This aircraft family is smaller than the L-410 and also has high wings, a tall vertical stabiliser and horizontal stabilisers with dihedral. This stabilo is placed lower though, at the top of the fuselage. Also, the main gear of the Twin Commander retracts rearward in the nacelles.

Beriev Be-30/Be-32

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This turboprop commuter aircraft has cock­pit windows similar to those on the L-410. However, the Beriev's wings have a slight anhedral. Moreover, the tail is not cruciform. Finally, the single wheel main gears are retracted rearward in the long nacelles.

Dornier 228

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The Dornier 228 is comparable to the L-410. It has a main landing gear retracting in stubs as well. The nose gear has two wheels. The vertical stabiliser is less tall and of conventional configuration. Finally, the Dornier has raked wingtips, ending pointed.

DeHavilland Canada DHC-6

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The Twin Otter has a tall cruciform tail and long wings like on the L-410, but similarities end there. The DHC-6 has a fixed landing gear, the windows are different and the wings are braced.

IPTN N219

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The N219 is characterised by a cruciform tail with big dorsal fin, somewhat like on the L-410. On the other hand it has four streamlined cockpit windows and a fixed landing gear with single wheels. (photo WikiMedia/LAPAN)

CASA C-212

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Another sturdy aircraft, but one with a more box-like appearance. The vertical stabiliser is tall like on the L-410, but it is almost forward swept. Additionally, the landing gear is fixed, the nose is shorter and the cabin windows are round. So, no easy mix-up.